Fairfax, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 1, 2022
1. Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park Marker
The 100-foot-wide Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD Trail) features a 45-mile asphalt trail for walking, running, skating, bicycling and other activities and a 33-mile, parallel, gravel bridle path for horseback riding and hiking. The W&OD Trail traverses the Piedmont between the Potomac River and the Blue Ridge Mountains creating a recreation corridor extending from the Virginia suburb of Arlington to the farming areas of western Loudoun County.
The W&OD Trail takes its name from the railroad whose trains ran along the right-of-way from 1859 until 1968. Never very successful, the railroad's demise was hastened by the improved road system and increased number of motor vehicles.
Erected by NOVA Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the NOVA Parks, and the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 38° 51.715′ N, 77° 16.237′ W. Marker is in Fairfax, Virginia. It is at the intersection of Pickett Road (Virginia Route 237) and Old Pickett Road, on the right on Pickett Road
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (here, next to this marker); City of Fairfax Community Services and Recreation (a few steps from this marker); George Snyder Trail (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lillian Blackwell Challenges Segregation (approx. 1.2 miles away); Grandma's Cottage (approx. 1.3 miles away); Willcoxon Family Cemetery (approx. 1.3 miles away); Boxwood Garden (approx. 1.3 miles away); Blenheim House (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfax.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Peyton Anderson (was approx. half a mile away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 1, 2022
2. Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
